Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

Seven days ago, the commercial taxes had already completely overshadowed the previous taxation methods. As expected, the battle at Wancheng had utterly destroyed the original commercial hub centered on Wancheng and radiating out to Nanyang, which indirectly benefited Fenggao greatly.

Fenggao, as a commercial center, wasn’t an ideal location—after all, it was too remote. However, the current situation was different. Fenggao, despite lacking geographical advantages, had seized the opportunities of the times and benefited from favorable circumstances.

With the commercial hub of Wancheng engulfed in flames and merchants across the land struggling to sell their goods, Fenggao became the new hub. The two major merchant guilds led by the Zhen family from the north and the Mi family from Xuzhou had established their base in Fenggao. Simultaneously, drastic changes in Qingzhou’s tax rates attracted the attention of merchants from all over the world.

Chen Xi watched this unfold with a calm expression. The change in tax rates was now a foregone conclusion. The overwhelming difference in tax benefits wasn’t something that could be easily overturned with a few words. As for concerns about fewer merchants during times of chaos, Chen Xi merely chuckled at the notion. Chaotic times were precisely when merchants thrived the most. It had never been heard that merchants decreased in number during such periods. In fact, only in peaceful times could merchants be controlled; in chaos, they became even more active, exploiting the numerous loopholes in the tax system.

”There’s still one more thing left to do,” Chen Xi said, lifting his wine cup with a smile toward Guo Jia before downing it in one go.

”The library, right?” Guo Jia casually picked at the food on the table.

”Yes. I imagine that Wenru and his team have nearly completed the household registrations for the scholars. In this era, scholars can serve as role models for the common people, and the qualifications they possess are what the populace desires. It’s a unique top-down approach,” Chen Xi nodded. ”Fenggao may not be the best location—it’s too remote. If we were in the Central Plains, our tax revenue could be 20% higher.”

Chen Xi’s calm demeanor made Guo Jia feel a bit awkward. After all, not long ago, everyone, including himself, had been trying to block Chen Xi’s commercial reforms. But in just over twenty days, the transformation of Fenggao had been shockingly swift.

”Zichuan, the issue before was indeed our fault. I hope you can forgive us,” Guo Jia said, uncharacteristically serious.

”No need for that. We all had our reasons,” Chen Xi waved his hand dismissively. ”Neither of us was wrong—the only one at fault was Xuande.” A sly smile appeared on Chen Xi’s face.”You can’t just stay cooped up at home forever!” Guo Jia could only chuckle helplessly at Chen Xi’s shamelessness. Only Chen Xi would be so carefree about such matters.

”My house was desolate ten days ago, but now it’s bustling with visitors. If I go out now, how many merchants do you think will be waiting for me?” Chen Xi said with a smile, holding his wine cup. ”I have the final say on commercial laws. At this point, even showing a small favor would make many people rich overnight. Do you know what my steward has been up to lately?”

”That still doesn’t excuse you from not going to the government office,” Guo Jia replied, exasperated.

”I don’t want to,” Chen Xi said nonchalantly. ”Until I’ve finished dealing with this matter, don’t come looking for me unless it’s something major. Tell Zijing and Ziyang to handle their tasks well. I don’t care about what happened before.”

Guo Jia sighed and drank his wine in one gulp. Who would have thought Chen Xi would succeed so quickly? He hadn’t wanted to play the peacemaker, but among the people in Taishan, he got along best with Chen Xi. Neither of them was too concerned with formalities or personal gain.

”Drink your wine. I won’t be able to join you at the brothel for the next couple of days. By the way, have you been to the newly opened Manxiang Brothel? I hear it’s quite good,” Chen Xi changed the topic to something they both enjoyed.

”I’ve been there. It’s really great, and best of all, it’s free! They even gave me this so I don’t have to spend money in the future. Do you want one?” Guo Jia grinned mischievously, pulling out a solid gold card from his sleeve. With this card, Guo Jia could enjoy all the services at Manxiang Brothel without paying.

”I have one too,” Chen Xi said, pulling out a similar card and waving it in front of Guo Jia. ”But unlike you, I don’t use it so excessively. By the way, that place is on the main street! South First Street, no less! The land there was dirt cheap.”

Chen Xi’s words made Guo Jia feel a pang of regret. Who could have predicted that land prices would skyrocket like this? Originally, merchants thought they were just making a quick profit, but when they realized Chen Xi was serious, those with money started setting up shop here. Streets Two, Three, Four, and Five quickly filled up, and as soon as any land became available, it was snatched up. The wealthy merchants backing the powerful clans had deep pockets.

Land sales brought in millions of coins, and after selling the land, Lu Su felt a deep sense of loss. The land prices on the front two streets had skyrocketed to the point where Lu Su couldn’t help but twitch with frustration. As for the prime location on First Street, only three businesses had set up shop: Mi’s restaurant, Zhen’s fur shop, and Manxiang Brothel—all established before Chen Xi implemented his commercial reforms.

Merchants weren’t fools. They knew that South First Street was the best location, but Chen Xi had only designated four streets. Now that all the land had been sold, what more could they do? Challenge Chen Xi’s rule that merchants could only trade in the designated northern area? That would be suicidal. They could try buying land in the residential areas of North Sixth Street and renovating it, but as for the two shops on North First Street and the brothel on South First Street, they could only drool over them. It was obvious that these three establishments had powerful backing.

No one dared touch the Zhen and Mi families, and as for that eye-catching brothel on South First Street, if it didn’t have strong backing, it would have been relocated long ago. Besides, it was the only one on South First Street, right in the middle. Merchants who couldn’t find the brothel’s backers could only envy its prime location.

”Ha, that madam must be having a hard time. She can’t reveal her backers, no matter how much pressure she’s under,” Guo Jia laughed. He had been frequenting Manxiang Brothel lately and had seen the madam’s predicament firsthand. But with each cup of flower tea costing a hundred coins, and business booming, the madam was sure to hold out despite the pressure.

”Is there any trouble?” Chen Xi asked with a smile. The brothel’s location on the main street was indeed conspicuous, but it was an accident. Although Lu Su’s heart ached over the missed opportunity of prime real estate, he couldn’t very well ask to reclaim the land.

”Do you think anyone would dare cause trouble?” Guo Jia replied with a mocking smile. ”Only those clueless upstarts would be foolish enough to stir up trouble there. But with so many wealthy merchants frequenting the place, any troublemakers would be crushed with a flick of their fingers. No one dares make a scene.”

”But it is quite an eyesore,” Chen Xi said helplessly. A brothel on the main street was too conspicuous. ”Forget it. I’ll send someone to find that madam and ask her to make Manxiang Brothel more refined. Maybe add some music, dancing, or theater performances. If this keeps up, Zijing might come to talk to me, and that would be troublesome.”